Product Description

What is OxyContin?

OxyContin (oxycodone) is a opioid pain reliever similar to morphine. An opioid is sometimes called a narcotic.

OxyContin is used to treat moderate to severe pain that is expected to last for an extended period of time. OxyContin is used for around-the-clock treatment of pain. It is not to be used on an "as-needed" basis for pain.

OxyContin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information about OxyContin

OxyContin may be habit forming. Never share OxyContin with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it.

Do not drink alcohol while you are taking OxyContin. Dangerous side effects or death can occur when alcohol is combined with a narcotic pain medicine. Check your food and medicine labels to be sure these products do not contain alcohol.

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Never take OxyContin in larger amounts, or for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Tell your doctor if the medicine seems to stop working as well in relieving your pain.

This medication may impair your thinking or reactions. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how OxyContin will affect you.

Do not stop using OxyContin suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Ask your doctor how to safely stop using this medicine.

Before using OxyContin

Do not use OxyContin if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a narcotic medicine (examples include methadone, morphine, Darvocet, Percocet, Vicodin, Lortab, and many others), or to a narcotic cough medicine that contains codeine, hydrocodone, or dihydrocodeine.

You should also not take OxyContin if you are having an asthma attack or if you have a bowel obstruction called paralytic ileus.

OxyContin may be habit forming. Never share OxyContin with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it.

To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

asthma, COPD, sleep apnea, or other breathing disorders;

liver or kidney disease;

underactive thyroid;

trouble swallowing, or a blockage in your digestive tract (stomach or intestines);

curvature of the spine that affects breathing;

a history of head injury or brain tumor;

epilepsy or other seizure disorder;

low blood pressure;

gallbladder disease;

Addison's disease or other adrenal gland disorder;

enlarged prostate, urination problems;

mental illness; or

a history of drug or alcohol addiction.

FDA pregnancy category B. OxyContin is not expected to harm an unborn baby. However, OxyContin may cause breathing problems, or addiction and withdrawal symptoms in your newborn if you take the medication during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Oxycodone can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are using OxyContin.

Older adults may be more likely to have side effects from this medicine.